Link to original video by Google Maps Platform

Announcing Photorealistic 3D Tiles and the Aerial View API to create immersive map experiences

Summary of "Announcing Photorealistic 3D Tiles and the Aerial View API to create immersive map experiences"

Short Summary:

Google Maps Platform is introducing two new features: photorealistic 3D tiles and the Aerial View API, allowing developers to create immersive 3D map experiences. The 3D tiles are based on the same data used by Google Earth, providing a high-quality, comprehensive 3D model of the real world. The Aerial View API offers quick and easy access to cinematic 3D videos of locations in the US, eliminating the need for manual drone capture. These tools empower developers to build engaging and informative applications across various platforms.

Detailed Summary:

Section 1: Introduction

• Travis McPhail, Engineering Lead for Visualization at Google Maps Platform, and Dan Buly, Product Manager for Imagery, announce the release of new 3D capabilities.
• They highlight the long-standing desire for developers to access Google Earth's 3D data for immersive experiences.
• They introduce the two main components: photorealistic 3D tiles and the Aerial View API.

Section 2: Photorealistic 3D Tiles

• Dan Buly explains the challenges developers face in creating their own 3D models, often resulting in compromises on quality or scope.
• He introduces the experimental release of photorealistic 3D tiles through the Maps Tiles API, providing developers with a high-quality 3D map of over 2500 cities across 49 countries.
• He emphasizes the seamless integration with other Google Maps Platform APIs, allowing for data overlays and accurate georeferencing.
• He explains the use of the 3D Tiles OGC standard for rendering with tools like Cesium.js or custom renderers.
• He mentions the collaboration with Cesium to optimize rendering performance and the inclusion of data attribution information.
• He highlights the availability of the 3D tiles in AR Core's Unity Geospatial Creator and Adobe Arrow, facilitating AR object anchoring to the real world.

Section 3: Aerial View API

• Travis McPhail introduces the Aerial View API as a solution for quick and easy creation of cinematic 3D videos.
• He explains that the API leverages the same photorealistic 3D tiles, eliminating the need for custom rendering.
• He emphasizes the visual richness of aerial perspectives, providing context and information about locations.
• He contrasts the API's ease of use with the cost and limitations of drone image capture.
• He mentions the availability of ready-to-use videos for hotels and specific addresses in major US cities.

Section 4: Conclusion

• Travis McPhail encourages developers to explore the new features and provides access to documentation, sample code, and issue trackers for feedback.
• He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and welcomes the use of 3D tiles with other geospatial rendering libraries like Deck.gl and Three.js.
• He concludes by expressing Google's commitment to expanding 3D assets and empowering developers to create immersive experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• "Your world isn't flat, so maybe your map shouldn't be either." - Travis McPhail
• "It can cost a lot of time and money to implement your own real-world 3D model." - Dan Buly
• "We can't wait to see the amazing things you'll build." - Travis McPhail